In an interview with Arutz 7, Elisha Peleg, a Likud member of the Jerusalem planning and building committee, said that he was proud that the city had authorized the construction of 24 new homes in the Beit Orot compound on the Mount of Olives. Peleg said that the decision was a form of "closure" for him. "Twenty years ago, I was here with then Prime Minister Yitzchak Shamir, and we announced construction in east Jerusalem. I am glad that the plans we made then have been approved. We will continue to build in Jerusalem. Only thus will we prevent the division of the city."
He added that the committee that authorized the construction of the homes did not consult with any government authorities. "Jerusalem is under Israeli jurisdiction, and the state of Israel annexed this area. The homes are being built legally," Peleg said.